Orthodox Judaism:
Branches of Orthodox Judaism

"Traditional"

Can be either
a synonym for Orthodox (especially when using the dichotomy Traditional/Liberal),
or a synonym for "Conservadox." In Israel,
"Traditional" is equated with the MASORTI.

"Centrist/modern/cosmopolitan"

Colloquially [sometimes pejorative, sometimes affectionate] kipa sruga. Adherents
usually approve many aspects of secular culture, especially
secular education, in addition to traditional Torah study. They tend to be Zionists.
The precise term depends on the speaker-Rabbi Norman
Lamm uses "centrist," Rabbi Shlomo Riskin
uses "cosmopolitan" and Rabbi Emmanuel Rackman
uses "modern." The Union of Orthodox Jewish
Congregations, Yeshiva University, and the Rabbinical
Council of America in some sense represent this group.
In Israel, the Mizrachi organization is a well­known
representative.

"Yeshivish"

Colloquially, [sometimes pejorative,
sometimes affectionate] "black hat" or "black")
suggests an Orthodox outlook in which the focus of life
is Torah study, as is done in Lithuanian­style yeshivot.
Secular culture is either tolerated or criticized for
its corrupting influences. This group tends to be "non­Zionist"
in the sense that they love the land of Israel and its
holiness (many spend years in Israel for Torah study),
but are unenthusiastic about secular Zionism and Israeli
secular culture. Agudath Israel tends to represent this
group.

"Dati/Chareidi"

In Israel, this distinction is more a matter of attitude toward Zionism
than of political affiliation or religious views. The Dati tend to be more supportive of Zionism, with
the Chareidi not having much belief in the modern
Jewish state. Please note that these are general positions;
individual members may hold different views.